Former California Sen. Andreas Borgeas of Fresno has taken a job with a Greek energy firm. Photo contributed

Andreas Borgeas, former state Senator representing the Fresno area, announced he has taken a new position that draws on his Greek roots.

Borgeas has taken a position with Greek renewables company Eunice Energy Group as CEO of Greece-Africa Power Interconnector, a transnational electricity project between Greece and Egypt known as GAP.

In his new position, Borgeas will work with leaders representing Greece, Egypt and the European Union to accelerate the completion of the electrical interconnection project between Europe and Africa.

Borgeas said in an email that he would continue to reside in Fresno, but that his new position requires extensive travel.

Borgeas, a Greek American, is an attorney and former member of the Fresno City Council and Fresno County Board of Supervisors. He was elected to the California Senate for the 8th district in 2018 as a Republican, serving through 2022 when he announced he would not seek a second term.

He also served as a federally appointed commissioner on the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. During his political career he strongly advocated for Greek positions on key foreign policy issues. He was a Fulbright Scholar in Greece and completed graduate studies at Harvard, Georgetown Law School and Panteion University in Athens.

“It is a great honor for me to join a project of vital importance for European interests, highlighting Greece’s role as an energy leader and hub in the SE Mediterranean and Europe, aside a team of industry leaders with extensive experience and technical expertise,” stated Borgeas. “Greece is acquiring a unique role in defending Europe’s energy autonomy and security, and I deeply believe that now is Greece’s moment!”

The Eunice Energy Group is the only energy provider in Greece with 100% clean, green electricity, according to its website. It has installed 100 megawatts of electricity generating capacity with another 1,650 megawatts in the pipeline. It has more than 1,500 electric vehicle chargers in Greece.

The GAP Interconnector program includes the construction of an underwater energy link spanning the Mediterranean Sea with a total electricity transmission capacity of 2,000 megawatts.

“We are delighted Senator Andreas Borgeas will lead the GAP team,” stated George Kalavrouziotis, GAP president and CEO of Eunice Group. “For us, the flourishing of Greek American relations in recent years is further developing and deepening cooperation between our two countries, in areas such as energy. The GAP project, which is gathering strong support from both sides of the Mediterranean, is characterized by significant advantages in terms of construction, geopolitical value, energy efficiency, and economic viability. Senator Borgeas will be a significant contribution to the Eunice team.”